Police in Busoga East have opened a full-scale investigation into the mysterious killing of Karim Mwase, the Assistant Resident City Commissioner (ARCC) of Lira City, whose lifeless body was discovered along the Iganga–Bugiri Highway on Sunday night.
Mwase’s body was found abandoned inside his official vehicle in Nakalama Sub- County, under unclear circumstances.
Preliminary reports suggest that unknown assailants intercepted him as he returned from a public function in Bugweri District.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Iganga Deputy Resident District Commissioner Kato Dauda described the murder as “deeply disturbing” and confirmed that the attackers had left Mwase’s body in the car before fleeing the scene undetected.
“We suspect he was strangled as he drove at high speed back to Iganga Town,” Kato said. “The attackers may have barricaded his vehicle, executed the attack swiftly, and escaped into the night.”
Police say the vehicle was found in an isolated spot along the busy highway, triggering alarm among passersby who notified local authorities.
Responding officers cordoned off the scene and transported the body to Iganga General Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Detectives from Busoga East Regional Police Headquarters have since been deployed to reconstruct the crime scene, gather forensic evidence, and collect any exhibits that may lead to the identification of the perpetrators.
“We are treating this as a targeted killing,” a senior detective at the scene noted. “No valuables were taken, and there are no signs of a struggle outside the vehicle.”
Authorities have yet to confirm any motives behind the attack, but the manner and timing of the killing have raised concerns over the safety of government officials, especially in regional assignments.
The police have urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious persons or vehicles that may have been seen in the area on Sunday evening. They also assured the public that more details will be released as investigations progress.
Mwase was known for his active involvement in grassroots mobilization and had reportedly been attending community engagements in Bugweri prior to his death.
His sudden and violent killing has shocked colleagues and residents alike, with many demanding swift justice and improved security for government representatives working in the field.
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